Be part of it

I’ve been a volunteer mentor with Community Works for the past two years, and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I’ve lived and worked in Brighton for over 17 years and have over 30 years experience of being a leader in health, social care, and the voluntary sector. I’ve learnt a lot over the years about developing organisations and the challenges involved. I’ve also made mistakes and use this knowledge to help others, especially in this time of uncertainty.

By being a mentor, I’ve been able to encourage and support the professional and personal development of others. I act as an independent sounding board – I’m someone that can listen and support a charity leader, in a safe environment. More often then not they know what they need to do about a challenge or a problem, but they just need the extra boost of confidence that a mentor can give.

Initially I attended an information session on the mentoring programme. I felt rather apprehensive and I think we were all eyeing each other up, trying to work out who was who, and did we fit in. The session was facilitatied very well and I soon felt comfortable to ask questions. It was also good to hear from participants already in the programme, both mentors and charity leaders.

The most nerve racking, but exciting part of the whole experience for me, has been the matching process between mentors and charity leaders. I wondered, will I get picked, what if no-one likes me, what if no-one wants my skills or experience, or what if I’m wearing the wrong shoes – this is Brighton after all! I needn’t have worried though as Community Works knows exactly what they’re doing and in any case are always on hand to smooth out any difficulties.

I’ve really benefited from my time as a mentor and I’ve learnt so much about the variety of issues facing voluntary and community organisations locally. I’ve gained a fresh perspective on ideas for current and future projects, and this has added to my own personal and professional judgement. The charity leaders I’ve supported have also provided me with new challenges and opportunities to reflect – with a few laughs along the way too!

I’ve supported charity leaders to deal with a diverse range of demands and pressures at work. Together we’ve identified service or organisational problems and successes, and shared good practice. Each charity leader I supported identified a specific goal for the mentoring relationship and together we worked towards meeting it – with the odd bit of cake thrown in just to keep us going.

I think being a mentor has been a wonderful experience. I always really look forward to my mentoring sessions, as you never know what challenges they may bring. Everyone is so passionate, committed and full of energy, it feels great to be part of it. I would certainly recommend being a mentor.

Written by Annette Kidd, volunteer mentor.

Get involved

We’re always looking for new mentors to be part of our mentoring programme. Why not become a volunteer mentor today and start making a difference to local people and our community.

“I think being a mentor with Community Works has been a wonderful experience. I always really look forward to my mentoring sessions, as you never know what challenges they may bring. Everyone is so passionate, committed and full of energy, it feels great to be part of it. I would certainly recommend being a mentor. ”

“I think being a mentor with Community Works has been a wonderful experience. I always really look forward to my mentoring sessions, as you never know what challenges they may bring. Everyone is so passionate, committed and full of energy, it feels great to be part of it. I would certainly recommend being a mentor. ”